Whip Hoyer Announces Staff Changes

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) today announced two staff changes. Austin Burnes has been promoted to Director of Legislative Operations to succeed Alexis Covey-Brandt, who became Rep. Hoyer’s new Chief of Staff earlier this month. Additionally, Shuwanza Goff, previously Floor Assistant, has been promoted to take over Burnes’ current role as Deputy Director of Legislative Operations.

“Austin has been a key asset in my leadership office since first joining our team as an intern in 2004,” said Hoyer. “Since then, he has served in a variety of roles and excelled in each one. As Floor Assistant and later Deputy Floor Director, Austin has helped manage the day-to-day operations of the Floor and has demonstrated a depth and breadth of knowledge of parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Members have come to rely on Austin’s good judgment and leadership on the Floor and he is well known and well liked by all Members. Similarly, Shuwanza has served on my staff since joining as a staff assistant four years ago and has continually demonstrated her competence and capabilities across a range of responsibilities. As Floor Assistant, she excelled with a tremendous work ethic, focus and insightful knowledge of the House floor. I am confident that Austin and Shuwanza will continue to ensure an organized, responsive, and robust Democratic Whip Floor operation as the new session of Congress commences. Both Austin and Shuwanza will be a tremendous resource to the Democratic Caucus and I look forward to working with them in their new roles.”

Austin Burnes has served with the Hoyer team since 2004, when he started as an intern. He began working in the front office in 2005 and has served in several different roles during almost eight years of service, including as Deputy Floor Director for three years. He holds a degree in political science from Wake Forest University.

Shuwanza Goff started as a Staff Assistant in the Majority Leader’s office in 2008 and was promoted to Floor Aide and, later, to Floor Assistant. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Tennessee and a Master of Science degree from American University in Justice, Law, and Society.